William Alva Riley Jr. allegedly continued to cause trouble even after being arrested. Cops say he slammed his feet up against the roof of a patrol car, causing more than $1,000 in damage. (Marion County Sheriff's Office)

What a way to end the year!

A suspect in a bizarre Salem, Ore., rampage that included a house fire, a robbery and stealing elk meat was arrested while hiding fully clothed in a hot tub with a machete, authorities said.

Advertisement

A home near the suspect’s hiding place bears fire damage. (KATU 2/katu.com)

Cops caught up with William Alva Riley Jr., 41, early Monday after he allegedly crashed a U-Haul truck, torched a home, robbed another and stole packs of frozen elk meat.

Authorities believe Riley used gasoline to set the house fire. (KATU 2/katu.com)

Riley offered no explanation for his alleged antics in a Tuesday court appearance.

A lawnmower bears fire damage. (KATU 2/katu.com)

KATU 2/katu.com

A home near the suspect’s hiding place bears fire damage.

Although the sequence of the strange spree is unclear, Marion County sheriff's investigators think it all started when he crashed a U-Haul truck in the 7200 block of Silverton Road.

Riley was found hiding in this hot tub, authorities say. (KATU 2/katu.com)

A package of stolen elk meat Riley is accused of stealing. The suspect faces charges including failure to perform the duties of a driver, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and theft. (KATU 2/katu.com)

"It could have been a lot worse. He did find the machete, and, you know, you never know what's gonna happen with these guys," he added.

The hit-and-run cops think started it all on Monday occurred here in the 7200 block of Silverton Road in Salem. (Marion County Sheriff's Office)

Even after being detained, Riley continued to leave a trail of destruction, law enforcement said.

KATU 2/katu.com

Authorities believe Riley used gasoline to set the house fire.

Deputies say that as he was put into the back of a patrol car, he slammed his feet up against the roof, causing more than $1,000 in damage.

KGW reports that Riley faces charges including failure to perform the duties of a driver, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and theft.